US is a market rich in opportunities

The US is one of Northern Ireland’s strongest markets for exports which is why Invest Northern Ireland is increasing its resources in the country.

The agency is opening a new office in Los Angeles as part of its growing international network.

Over the past two years, exports from Northern Ireland to the US have grown by 16 per cent to £1.5billion.

- Alastair Hamilton, Invest NI

Speaking whilst on a trade and investment programme in the US, Chief Executive of Invest NI, Alastair Hamilton said: “The US is a major export market for ambitious Northern Ireland companies. Over the past two years, exports from Northern Ireland to the US have grown by 16 per cent to £1.5billion.

“Companies such as Belfast based Clinical Research firm Fusion Antibodies, are experiencing significant exporting success in this market. The company benefitted from a range of Invest NI trade support in 2017 which has resulted in two new contracts in the US, estimated to be worth £350,000 collectively.

“These new contracts will see it provide its drug discovery and development service to major players in the US pharma market, including one of the US’s top five pharma companies and a major world renowned medical research institute.”

Fusion’s DNA sequencing technology can assist in the development of novel biological molecules that may be used as innovative drugs for human diseases including cancer, coeliac disease, chronic fungal infections and immunological indications. The company participated in the worlds leading life sciences exhibition, Bio International Convention, in 2017 with Invest NI support and used Invest NI’s in-market service to secure the new contracts.

“Encouraging and facilitating many more local companies to follow in the footsteps of Fusion Antibodies is key to the growth of our economy. To build on successes like this we are strengthening our US resources and I am delighted to be here to open our new office in Los Angeles.

Companies such as Belfast based Clinical Research firm Fusion Antibodies, are experiencing significant exporting success in this market. The company benefitted from a range of Invest NI trade support in 2017 which has resulted in two new contracts in the US, estimated to be worth £350,000 collectively... To build on successes like this we are strengthening our US resources and I am delighted to be here to open our new office in Los Angeles.

- Alastair Hamilton, Invest NI

“We already have a strong West Coast team based in San Francisco and have had great success in supporting companies win export deals with initiatives like our US Tech Mission. With a dedicated resource here in Southern California we will build on this success, particularly in the areas of digital technology and creative industries.

“Northern Ireland has a growing expertise in these areas, with local companies gaining global recognition. I will be joining 15 companies at South by Southwest to meet with local influencers and potential new investors to explore ways to help strengthen trade and investment relationships with Northern Ireland.”added Alastair.

Alastair will visit San Francisco, LA and Austin as part of his US programme.